"The Snow Child" by Eowyn Ivey is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores the power of love, loss, and the magic of nature. Set in the wilds of Alaska in the 1920s, the story centers around Jack and Mabel, a childless homesteading couple who are struggling to make a life for themselves in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. When a mysterious child appears one day, seemingly out of nowhere, the couple is overjoyed and quickly comes to see her as a miracle sent to them by the snowy wilderness that surrounds them. But as the winter gives way to spring, the child's true identity and motives become increasingly unclear, and Jack and Mabel are forced to confront the reality of their situation. Ivey's writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty and brutality of the Alaskan wilderness in vivid detail. She skillfully weaves together elements of fairy tale and realism, creating a world that is both magical and grounded in reality. The characters are complex and fully realized, with Jack and Mabel's relationship at the heart of the story. The novel also explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the human desire for connection. Jack and Mabel's struggles to conceive a child and their subsequent adoption of the snow child serve as a metaphor for the ways in which we all seek to find meaning and purpose in our lives. Overall, "The Snow Child" is a haunting and unforgettable novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the transformative power of love, and it is a reminder of the beauty and wonder that can be found in even the most remote and unforgiving places.
Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees
This novel tells the story of Lily, a 14-year-old girl who runs away from her abusive father and finds solace with three beekeeping sisters in South Carolina. Themes of race, family, and self-discovery make this a great read for those who enjoyed 'The Snow Child's' exploration of the human condition.
Learn MoreKristin Hannah
The Great Alone
Set in the Alaskan wilderness, this novel follows a family trying to escape their past and find a new beginning. The harsh, unforgiving landscape mirrors the characters' emotional journeys, much like the snowy setting of 'The Snow Child.' Fans of Ivey's debut will appreciate Hannah's vivid storytelling and complex characters.
Learn MoreKatherine Arden
The Bear and the Nightingale
A retelling of a Russian fairy tale, this novel weaves a magical, atmospheric story of a young girl named Vasilisa and her encounters with various mythical creatures. Fans of 'The Snow Child' will enjoy Arden's ability to bring the folklore to life and create a vivid, snowy world.
Learn MoreKate Morton
The Lake House
Spanning over a century, this novel tells the story of a mysterious lake house and the secrets it holds. Fans of 'The Snow Child' will enjoy Morton's ability to create a vivid sense of place and her exploration of the themes of memory, family, and loss.
Learn MoreJessie Burton
The Miniaturist
Set in 17th century Amsterdam, this novel tells the story of a young bride named Nella and the mysterious miniaturist who begins to send her increasingly accurate models of her new home. Fans of 'The Snow Child' will enjoy Burton's ability to create a vivid sense of place and her exploration of the themes of identity and self-discovery.
Learn MoreHolly Black
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
This young adult novel tells the story of a girl named Tana who is bitten by a vampire and must navigate the dangerous world of Coldtown, a quarantined city for the undead. Fans of 'The Snow Child' will appreciate Black's ability to create a vivid sense of place and her exploration of the themes of isolation and the supernatural.
Learn MoreErin Morgenstern
The Night Circus
Set in a mysterious circus that appears without warning, this novel tells the story of two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound together in a magical competition. Fans of 'The Snow Child' will appreciate Morgenstern's ability to create a vivid sense of place and her exploration of the themes of love, magic, and the passage of time.
Learn More